This week we're talking how to handle conversations, both encouraging them and curbing over-talkers.

Here's the video:

[vimeo 94835561 w=500 h=281]

Sermon Title: Unwind, Part 3: Allegiances

Main Texts: Matthew 6:24-34

Topics:

In this part of the Bible Jesus is teaching us about anxiety. He has challenged us that anxiety does not have to be part of our lives. Regardless of our circumstances, we can dismantle our stress. It boils down to having faith that God is in control, and that He values us.

Interestingly this entire section begins with the word, “Therefore.” That means that this section is a continuation of a thought. It is built on truths from the preceding section.

In the previous section Jesus said to us, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other…” (Matthew 6:24)

This is very revealing. A major component to our anxiety is that we often have two different priorities. We often have two different authorities in operation in our lives. And Jesus has told us that at some point that will be at war with each other. At that point we will learn who it is that we really serve.

That war creates anxiety. We will come to a point where we have to decide if we are serving God or something else. We face situations like:

We want to be successful, but to do that we have to break God’s commands. So, do we serve God or success?

We want to be in a relationship, but the person we are in a relationship with has competing religious convictions. So, do we serve God or relationships?

Jesus tells us that we can serve those other God’s but there is only One that will actually take care of us. We can put things ahead of God, but they will ultimately fails us.

But God loves us, and takes care of us. Jesus tells us the ultimate way of untangling our anxiety is “seeking first the Kingdom of God.”

Key Questions:

HIGH/LOW: What was the high point of your week and the low point?

ICEBREAKER: What is an example of superhuman motherly love?

READ: Matthew 6:24-34

What jumps out at you from this passage?

How would having two bosses add stress and anxiety in a work situation?

What are common “masters” that we try to serve while serving God?

What is an example of how trying to serve God and an idol inevitably leads to conflict and anxiety?

This passage tells us that God is capable and committed to taking care of us. How do various idols let us down?

How does serving idols create stress in our relationships?

READ: Romans 8:31-39

What hits you from this Romans passage?

What are some stresses in your life that you realize stem from allegiances that are competing with God?